news conference today beginning to answer calls for action after the horrific massacre in newtown, connecticut. the president took a number of questions. many of them on another major issue facing washington. negotiations on the fiscal cliff. with house speaker john boehner holding his own 52nd presser on that today. and we'll have more on that throughout the hour. but first in the renewed debate on gun control. the president today named vice president joe biden to lead an inter-agency task force to develop a policy response to the tragedy at sandy hook saying he cannot do it alone. >> ultimately if this effort is to succeed, it's going to require the help of the american people. it's going to require all of you. mothers and fathers, daughters and sons, pastors, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and yes gun owners standing up and saying enough on behalf of our kids. >> the president reiterated that he'll use whatever powers his office holds to prevent another tragedy like newtown. and his choice of vice president biden signals a robust effort to confront america's foremost gun lobb